HIGHLIGHTS

Gavaskar said Pant shouldn't have sledged Cummins by directly using the fast bowler's name

Pant equaled the world record for the most number of catches by a stumper in a Test match

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was clearly unimpressed with Rishabh Pant sledging Australia's Pat Cummins during India's 31-run win in Adelaide as he opined he doesn't agree with directly chirping at an opponent on the field.

Gavaskar insisted that it's okay for wicketkeepers to talk to their bowlers and egg them on but he pointed out the risk of sledging an opposition player, especially a fast bowler.

The batting great believes Cummins is not going to forget Pant's quips, especially if the quickie gets a conducive wicket in the second Test at Perth, which is known for producing some of the fastest wickets in the sport.

Gavaskar's comments came after Pant stole the show on the final day of the thrilling first Test by chirping at Cummins constantly as the Australian tail ender tried to steer the hosts out of trouble after two quick wickets in the morning session.

During the 76th over of Australia's 323-run chase, Pant tried to get under the skin of Cummins who played out a maiden over against R Ashwin, who was getting the old cherry to turn dangerously off the rough.

As Cummins tried to block everything that came his way, Pant chirped: "Let's see some sixes, come on Patty", "Not going for the shots Patty?. He also pointed out that the fast bowler had missed out on an opportunity to put a loose ball from the off-spinner away.

As it turned out, the commentators went quiet during the eventful over and the broadcasters only played the audio from the stump mic.

Pant hardly remained quiet behind the wickets in the first of the ongoing four-Test series as he egged on the India bowlers, who starred in yet another overseas win for the Asian giants.

The talking point was centered around Pant on the second day of the Test as he was heard taunting Usman Khawaja, who tried to do a Cheteshwar Pujara, by resisting his temptation to play flashy drives that brought the downfall of quite a few batsmen from both the camps in the first innings.

"Not everyone is Pujara, lads," chirped Pant as Australia were trying to rebuild their innings on Day 2, referring to the Indian No. 3 batsman, who came up with a monk-like approach during his 123-run knock.

Nonetheless, Pant had a memorable outing in his first Test Down Under as the 21-year-old equaled the world record of Jack Russell and AB de Villiers for the most number of catches in Test by a wicketkeeper.

Pant took 11 catches, surpassing the previous Indian record set by Wriddhiman Saha, who is not part of the current Indian squad in Australia due to an injury.

Ravi Shastri backs Pant to play natural game

Pant though is being criticised for throwing away his wicket in the second innings wherein India lost their last five wickets for just 25 runs. However, coach Ravi Shastri has backed the young stumper, saying he should be allowed to play his natural game.

"You have to allow him to play his game, that's the way he has come into the side, but he has to be a little more sensible now. He did the hard work in getting Lyon to spread his fields, so he has to be smarter. You make a mistake now, but don't repeat it, then I'll be in his ears," Shastri told Sony Six after India's historic win.